Teaching city’s poor children his business

jaysinh Parmar TNN Ahmedabad: Kishan Patni’s father is a rickshaw driver. But, he dreams of becoming a lawyer. And, scoring 97 per cent in class VI exams has given his confidence a big boost. Kishan owes his smiles to friend, philosopher and father-figure Mahesh Desai. Desai, who runs a garment factory, scaled down his business to be able to devote time to teach slum children. And, gave Kishan and hundreds of underprivileged children a ray of hope. His mission does not end with ensuring informal education or enrolling them in private schools. He is their guardian, assuming the responsibility till they complete their studies and find their feet in life. He is their friend too. So, when Kishan scored high marks, Desai took him to a movie. Desai, now 50, could have led a relaxed life, having had his own children settled. He chose a different path. It began seven years ago when Desai ventured into a poor neighbourhood in Naranpura. There were over 2,000 people living along the railway track, most of them migrants. He decided to teach them for free. But, he tread carefully. “I first studied the lifestyle and socio-economic condition of these families. I would end up breaking dining in their huts. Once, I had their confidence, I told them about the need for education. It was tough as parents wanted the children to work,” says Desai. “No child came when I began a temporary school in one of the huts. I had my first student only six months later and the mission began,” he adds. Now, more than 65 children take nonformal education in a temporary school till class III every morning. Once the children complete class III, Desai convinces parents to enrol them in private schools, offering to pay their fees. Desai has now started a hostel in a posh flat in Naranpura area where five children from tribal and backward communities stay and study.